King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 3:22 Mean?

1 Kings 3:22 in the King James Version says “And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.”

1 Kings 3:22 · King James Version

Context

20

And she arose at midnight , and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.

21

And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.

22

And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.

23

Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.

24

And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.

Read 1 Kings 3 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
  2. What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אֹמֶ֙רֶת֙1 of 20

“And this said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֨ה2 of 20

“woman”

H802

a woman

הָֽאַחֶ֜רֶת3 of 20

“And the other”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

לֹ֣א4 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כִ֗י5 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וּבְנִ֣י6 of 20

“is my son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הֶחָ֑י7 of 20

“Nay but the living”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וּבְנִ֣י8 of 20

“is my son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַמֵּ֖ת9 of 20

“No but the dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וְזֹ֤את10 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֹמֶ֙רֶת֙11 of 20

“And this said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֣א12 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כִ֔י13 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וּבְנִ֣י14 of 20

“is my son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַמֵּ֖ת15 of 20

“No but the dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וּבְנִ֣י16 of 20

“is my son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הֶחָ֑י17 of 20

“Nay but the living”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וַתְּדַבֵּ֖רְנָה18 of 20

“Thus they spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

לִפְנֵ֥י19 of 20

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃20 of 20

“the king”

H4428

a king

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 3:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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